Lawry’s Founder Lawrence Frank and other members of the Los Angeles Rotary Club started what would become AbilityFirst in 1926 in response to the pre-vaccine polio epidemic. In the ninety-one years since, the non-profit has enriched thousands of children’s and adults’ lives by looking beyond disabilities and focusing on capabilities. Lawry’s Restaurants’ multi-generational commitment to AbilityFirst has grown hand in hand with the organization.

Lawry’s received the Stroll & Roll’s Most Valuable Team award for a second year in a row.

This spring, once again, co-workers, their families and friends joined 2400 participants to walk, run and roll through Universal City Walk to earn pledged donations for the annual AbilityFirst Stroll & Roll. And, once again, Lawry’s Restaurants took home “Most Valuable Team” honors!

Once again, Lawry’s Restaurants took home “Most Valuable Team” honors!

The silver trophy we received not only acknowledged our part in the April 2nd event, but also recognized the success of our month-long April AbilityFirst Matching Fund Drive held at Lawry’s Restaurants.

Lawry’s co-workers set up their own silent auction to raise even more money for the cause. This, combined with our matching funds, pledges, additional new memberships purchased at the Stroll & Roll and the over 4,000 donations by guests like you, contributed $49,343 as part of this year’s record breaking total of $920,000!

We know the businessmen who started it all would be grateful for and honored by the support shown by our guests and co-workers. On their behalf, Lawry’s thanks one and all.

Since 1926, our family has been involved with AbilityFirst. Founded by my dad and several fellow members of the Los Angeles Rotary Club in response to the polio epidemic, AbilityFirst continues to be important to the Lawry’s organization.